Porcelain plate donated to county

Saratoga County Clerk Kathy Marchione said goodbye to county leaders on Tuesday during her last update to the Board of Supervisors. In her final address, Marchione announced that the office will soon begin recording land records electronically; U.S. Census data from the county from 1850 through 1925 and naturalization records from 1906 to 1928 would be available on the county’s website; and the donation of a 100-year-old license plate to the office.

Lawrence DeLong, formerly of Clifton Park, gave the vintage license plate to the county for display. DeLong possesses a state license plate from every year since 1909, and at least one plate from every state in the nation, Marchione said. The plate he donated is a collector’s item because it’s made of porcelain, and 1912 was the only year porcelain plates were issued, Marchione said.

“In 1911 and from 1913 to 1992, plates were made from embossed steel,” Marchione said. “Since then, New York State license plates have been made of aluminum.” The year 1912 also marks the first time letters were used in license plates, she said.

After Marchione spoke, Halfmoon Supervisor Mindy Wormuth spoke for the board in thanking the county clerk for her many years of service. Office employees cut cake and ate cookies in celebration of Marchione’s final days. The Halfmoon Republican becomes a state senator on Jan. 1. Gov. Andrew Cuomo could appoint someone to fill the job through next year’s election.

“I’m very proud of what our staff has been able to complete,” Marchione told the board.